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NEWS - Monday, June 25, 2001

jet Set Radio Question & Answer

Sega subsidiary Smilebit is currently working on Xbox-exclusive JSR Future, the next installment in the cel-shaded rollerblading/spray painting franchise. A lot of us among GameSpot UK are eagerly anticipating this sequel to the visual stampede of Jet Set Radio, so much so that the folks at GameSpot UK interviewed Project Director Masayoshi Kikuchi and Art Director Ryuuta Ueda to get the latest on the games condition and how its shaping up for its premiere presentation on the Xbox.

GameSpot: The original Jet Set Radio is probably the most unique game around in terms of visual design. What influenced its unique look? How does the team feel about the current proliferation of the cel-shading technique that it pioneered?

Smilebit: The unique look of the title probably came from 1970s Japanese animation, comic magazines from the US, and everything from pop art to package designs of junk food and detergent...you name it. Also, stylish music or movies inspired us for the title.

About cel shading, we realize now that the effect is used in many games nowadays. We think it is a good way to achieve originality, since many games are now focused on looking as realistic as possible. We also like the fact that many developers are using the effect - that will help us all to eventually use the effect at a higher level.